The first day of February has kicked off with a raging blizzard over most of the upper midwest and brisk, crisp winds that have dropped the temperatures here in Houston. Since these chilly temperatures are going to stick around for the next few days, I think a nice big pot of chicken soup is in order.
[Note: When I make things like Tandoori Chicken, I'll take the remains of the carcass (back, skin and neck) and chunk them into a freezer bag. When I make chicken soup like this, I'll add the extra carcass bits to the pot and I get a wonderfuly rich, thick and flavorful broth.]
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken
3 stalks of celery
2 medium onions, cut into rough dice
3 cloves of garlic, minced (add more if you really like garlic)
6 carrots, sliced
3 bay leaves
3 handfuls of fresh mixed herbs (rosemary, parsley and thyme)
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Thoroughly wash the chicken and clean off any pin feathers you may find on the chicken. You can chop the chicken up if you want, or leave it whole. Put in a very large pot (along with any previously collected chicken parts that you may have stashed in the freezer). Toss in about half the veggies along with the bayleaves and two handfuls of the herbs (you’ll use the rest later). Fill the pot with water until almost full. Bring to a boil and then turn the heat down. Let the chicken simmer for 1-3 hours skimming the top of the broth as necessary. When you’re satisfied with the broth, pull all the chicken out of the pot and put on plate to cool.
Add the rest of the veggies and herbs to the pot and bring back to a boil and cook for about 20 minutes. While the additional veggies are cooking, pull the meat off the bones and discard the remains. Add meat back to the pot.
Other ideas for this soup:
Add peas, bok choy or other veggies.
Add Egg Noodles (either frozen or homemade)
Add dumplings.
Once everything is cooked, check to see if additional salt and pepper is needed. Then serve yourself and your family a nice warm meal!
(PS I’m planning to make some of this tomorrow night and I’ll take some pictures then).
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This is pure comfort food, and pretty much my recipe too. (I do throw noodles in). I always made this when my boys were sick. Making it from scratch is so good, and makes me feel so nurturing and motherly!